If Bush wins, Prime Minister Tony Blair does not have to do anything but the silence will be meaningful. Blair's advisers calculate that a win for Bush would vindicate Britain's alliance with the US and will indirectly strengthen Blair's own re-election bid, now anticipated for May next year. A Bush victory also strengthens Blair against left-wingers in his own party - like it or not, they will have to admit that they are facing another four years with Bush in the White House, and there is nobody better than Blair to deal with him.

Blair's reaction to outcomes of the US elections